In this revealing series of photographs, James Mollison invites us into the diverse stories of children in many different countries and circumstances. Each studio-style portrait is accompanied by a detailed study of the child’s “bedroom,” which can range from elaborate sanctuaries to the barest spaces set aside for sleep.

The photographs and their related didactic materials convey the story of a universal childhood, full of insecurity, hope, pain, comfort, and doubt. Economic inequality, children’s rights, and how we are defined by our possessions and formed by our circumstances are some of the complex social, typological, and cultural issues that resonate in Mollison’s work.

The project, in all its diversity, is frankly observant and often surprising, Mollison’s subjects convey the simple truth that all children, whether from a first- or third-world economy need to be nurtured and protected. His call to action is that we might walk away changed, viewing every child we meet as an individual in need of love and care. As the very concept of sleep and personal space conveys, Where Children Sleep is, above all else, a portrait of vulnerability.

WORKS
52 photographs (26 portraits, 26 bedrooms)

DIMENSIONS
Portraits: 23.6 x 28.8 in (60 x 73 cm)
Bedrooms: 43.3 x 53.5 in (110 x 136 cm)

SPACE REQUIREMENTS
288 linear feet (87.78 linear meters)

INQUIRIES
exhibitions@curatorial.org | 626.577.0044

EXHIBITOR RESOURCES
Prospectus (Available upon request)

FEE
Please inquire

EXHIBITION SCHEDULE

San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts | San Angelo, Texas
(Feburary 14 – April 6, 2025)

Lyman Allyn Art Museum | New London, Connecticut
(February 11 – May 7, 2023)

Muscatine Art Center | Muscatine, Iowa
(May 26 – August 21, 2022)

Caldwell Fine Arts | Caldwell, Idaho
(November 7 – November 28, 2019)

The Leonardo | Salt Lake City, Utah
(November 15, 2016 – May 17, 2017)

David J. Sencer CDC Museum | Atlanta, Georgia
(July 11 – October 28, 2016)

Fullerton Museum Center | Fullerton, California
(November 22, 2014 – January 25, 2015)

Michener Art Museum | Doyleston, Pennsylvania
(March 15 – June 29, 2014)

The Citadelle Art Foundation | Canadian, Texas
(September 5 – November 25, 2013)